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• Natural filtration of suspended solids takes place during runoff due to <br />the abundant vegetation and settling occurs in the several ponds. Ten <br />sites (SW-1 to SW-10) were monitored monthly and locations are shown on <br />the Hydrology'Map. Water (when flowing) at each site is field tested for <br />pH, temperature, conductivity (EC), and dissolved oxygen (D/O). This data <br />is shown in Table 2, In addition, water samples at four of the ten sites <br />(Sites SW-1, 2, 3 and 4) are collected quarterly (when water is present) <br />and sent to a lab for analysis for the major unions, cations, general para- <br />meters, and metals. Copies of the lab reports are enclosed at the end of <br />this section for the following samples: <br />Sam le Reporting Periods - 1980 <br />SW-1 April, July, October <br />SW-2 April <br />SW-3 April, July <br />SW-4 April <br />• <br />From the data collected so far it appears that surface runoff from <br />mined areas has little adverse effect on Grassy Creek water quality. The <br />potential for lowering Grassy Creek water quality by percolation from <br />mined areas of water with higher dissolved solids has been considered. <br />Coal and beds of shale, sandy shale and sandstone beneath the coal crop <br />out of the west facing slopes of the permit area. water from the mine <br />ponds and reclaimed areas percolates down dip on relatively impervious <br />shale. It then flows either as springs and seeps along the outcrop or <br />in the "C" soil zone until it meets the alluvial water adjacent to flowing <br />water in Grassy Creek. If and when the latter occurs it would probably <br />raise the level of dissolved solids in Grassy Creek surface waters. To <br />monitor this potential we have drilled 3 shallow wells (16 to 20 feet deep) <br />to bedrock along the east side of Grassy Creek to intercept this water. <br />Locations are shown on the Hydrology Map. The mine ponds dry up in late <br />June. We do not yet have sufficient data to determine if ponded water and <br />• water infiltrating through reclaimed areas will appreciably alter Grassy <br />Creek surface water quality. There is a marked difference in the character <br />of the water in Grassy Creek and that in the 3 alluvial wells adjacent. The <br />e-81 xx.F-3 <br />